Unlocking the potential of prenatal attachment

"University of Queensland School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences researcher Ms Grace Branjerdporn has reached this conclusion in a study of more than 700 mother-child relationships.

"Findings suggest that lowered prenatal attachment was associated with suboptimal outcomes such as difficult infant temperament and uncontrolled crying," Ms Branjerdporn said.

"People may think a bond between a mother and child begins when the mother cradles their newborn in their arms, but it begins well before they have met face-to-face," Ms Branjerdporn said.

"Research has shown prenatal attachment has an effect on a baby's personality, but we are still studying if it has a bearing on a baby's ability to master skills like walking, talking and problem-solving."